EVALUATION OF THE LEVEL OF EXPOSURE OF THE POPULATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA TO RESIDENTIAL RADON

The objectives of the research consisted in monitoring radon concentrations in various types of housing in the main geographical areas of the Republic of Moldova, in rural and urban localities.Methods. RADTRAK2+ detectors were used to measure radon concentrations in homes, being placed in the room for a period of 3 months. The detectors were read in the RADONOVA laboratory in Uppsala, Sweden. Statistical data processing was performed based on the SPSS computer program, performing descriptive analysis. Correlation/regression analysis of radon concentrations and environmental factors (air temperature/humidity) was performed. The health risk of radon exposure was calculated by calculating effective doses, using the formulas proposed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Based on the results obtained, radon concentrations were mapped across the country, highlighting localities with an increased risk of radon exposure. The mapping was carried out according to the scientific research methodology of the Joint Research Center of the European Commission. The grid established in the Lambert-GISCO system was used, according to which the territory of the Republic of Moldova is represented by 336 cells with sides of 10 x 10 km2.Results. Following the statistical processing of the collected data, the following results were obtained for a uniform distribution of values, thus recording maximum values of 1160 Bq/m3 for the Central area, 1260 Bq/m3 for the Northern area and 950 Bq/m3 for the Southern area. The average concentration of radon in the indoor air is 211.67 Bq/m3; 240.55 Bq/m3 and 285.57 Bq/m3 for the Center, North and South areas, respectively, which demonstrates that the average radon values did not exceed the reference values for the country (300 Bq/m3). The share of homes that exceeded the radon reference level (300 Bq/m3) was 25.3% for the Center area, 31.06% – North and 38.58% – South. According to the results obtained based on the measurement of radon concentration for the municipalities of Bălți, Chișinău and Cahul, it is found that the average recorded values do not exceed the reference value of radon concentration of 300 Bq/m3.Conclusions. Exposure of the population to radon, which is a natural radioactive source, poses a danger to public health. Chronic exposure to the radioactive gas contributes to the onset of bronchopulmonary cancer. The above-mentioned provisions provide for strict control of the population’s exposure to radon, by implementing requirements for monitoring radon concentrations in homes. In case of exceeding the values compared to the reference values (300 Bq/m3), it is necessary to implement intensive artificial ventilation measures, permanent airing of rooms, use of anti-radon membranes, sealing of cracks in walls and floors, etc.